DOMINION TELEGRAMS.

Taranaki Daily News, 10 September 1917, Page 4

DOMINION TELEGRAMS.

CLAIM FOR COMPENSATION. By Telegraph.—Pre3s Association. Christchurch, Sept. 7. After a four days' hearing in the Supreme Court, the c:.?e in which David John Miller, wharf laborer, Lyttalton, claimed from the '(Union Steamship I '' Co. of New Zealand the sum of £2,">00 as general damages and £52 10s as special damages for hospital expenses to dato of the issue of writ, for injuries which resulted from an accident on the steamship Tarawera at Lyttelton on the night of January 17, I'M7, was, concluded this 'afternoon. The jury returned'a verdict I for the full ainount claimed, but judgment was not entered,"pending the argument of important legal points which iwere raised. DEATH AT PORIRUA. Wellington, Sept. 8. An inquest was held last night concerning the death at Porirua Mental Hospital of a patient named-Hammond. The evidence showed that deceased suddenly attacked an attendant named Watson on Wednesday last, and that a struggle ensued. Both fell on the floor, but with assistance the patient was eventually overpowered. Hammond died the following day from internal injuries. He alleged that he had been kicked in the stomach by Watson. The jury returned a verdict that death was due to haemorrhage, and that the attendant used no unnecessary violence, and was in no way blameworthy. There was no evidence of a kick in the stomach. THE TE ANAU FATALITY. Napier, Sept. 8. The verdict of Mr. McCarthy, -S.M., concerning the To Anau fataility on May 2S, when a seaman named Donnelly was fatally burned, was that death was due to burns. The Coroner regretted that the liquid which caused the fumes that led to the explosion had been thrown away. EFFECT OF PERNICIOUS PICTURES. Auckland, Last Night. At the Juvenile Court to-day threelads were charged with entering a house, Wilfully damaging furniture, and theft. It was stated that the lads deliberately r-mashed the furniture with an axe. The probation officer stated that the boys confessed they had been influenced by several pictures depicting incidents in tiie career of a criminal known as "Stingarce." Five groups, involving 10 boys, ia various districts, had appeared at tho courts during the last three weeks since the picture had been shown in Auckland. They were charged with committing a crime in imitation of the principal character in the picture. Mr. Eraser, S.M., has telegraphed the Under-Secretary for Justice suggesting that the picture be banished. TIMARU HARBOR CHARGES. Timani, Sept. 8. The Harbor Board to-day'resolved to alter the harbor dues and wharfage charges, somewhat increasing the former and reducing the latter in respect to measurement charges, which is not to exceed twice the deadweight charge. This affects import of motor cars chiefly. The wharfage on coal was increased from Is Gd to 2s. - SUPPOSED FATALITY. Taumarunui, Sept. 8. Fred Bain, a single man, employed by a farmer down the river, and formerly employed at 'Otovohanga and Taitmpe, disappeared from the Club Hotel here on August 28, at 2 a.m., leaving his watch behind, and taking a fellow boarder's cap. It is believed that he has met with a fatal accident in crossing the Wanganui river, making for Rait's farm, where he worked. The police made an unsuccessful search. AN EXCITING EXPERIENCE. Taumarunui, Sept. S. A milkman, named W. Miles, had an exciting experience last night. When carrying milk from the cow bail to the dairy, lightning struck the inilk can and knocked him down. Miles was dazed, but uninjured. SICK AND WOUNDED RETURN. Auckland, Last Night. A contingent of 90 sick and wounded soldiers arrived in Auckland this evening.